Coil shock front end
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Coil shock front end
I have a 77 f100 2wd, with 31x10.50x15 all terrains, i put a half ton rearend and leaf springs on it so the back wheel wells have plenty of clearance, but when i hit a bump or something while im turning or a big one while going straight they rub, long story short there's only about two fingers width clearance on the front, and apparently i cant put a body lift kit on the truck because the steering box is close to the firewall? idk longer story not so long, how can i stiffen up the front? ive heard of putting shims in the coil springs, any advice will be much appreciated! thanks guys sorry for such a long post
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
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From: NorCal
Let's look at the front end systematically.
There are three things which determine static ride height and travel:
1. Nose weight (or sprung weight)
2. Spring height
3. Spring rate
Lessen the nose weight and of course, the vehicle will likely raise up.
With only two fingers width (I assume btwn the I-beam and the bump stops), it appears that the front springs have settled. Based on my discussions with FordBlake79, the normal front suspension travel is btwn 2 and 2.5 inches - yeah, not much.
Spring rate is where the suspension can be stiffened. Add some shock absorbers with slow compression (read 'stiffer') then all the better for the most part. A shock controls spring oscillation so it works in concert with the spring. Forget using shims or spacers.. they only compromise the suspension system.
Your best bet is to replace the coils with new ones or ones with a higher rate, say one intended for a 460.
There are three things which determine static ride height and travel:
1. Nose weight (or sprung weight)
2. Spring height
3. Spring rate
Lessen the nose weight and of course, the vehicle will likely raise up.
With only two fingers width (I assume btwn the I-beam and the bump stops), it appears that the front springs have settled. Based on my discussions with FordBlake79, the normal front suspension travel is btwn 2 and 2.5 inches - yeah, not much.
Spring rate is where the suspension can be stiffened. Add some shock absorbers with slow compression (read 'stiffer') then all the better for the most part. A shock controls spring oscillation so it works in concert with the spring. Forget using shims or spacers.. they only compromise the suspension system.
Your best bet is to replace the coils with new ones or ones with a higher rate, say one intended for a 460.
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Senior User
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The clearance i'm talking about is between the tire and the wheel well, it rubs the wheel well when i hit a bump, and the coil springs can you order them or do you have to get them off a donor truck?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
Ah.. I was unclear where you were measuring clearance.... that's not really suspension travel..That is suspension interference (yes, tires have springiness with high or low air pressure and in part, a component of the suspension.) Your problem is oversized tires and/or wrong offset. I believe it is the former.
To run 31s on a 2WD correctly, you'll need to clearance the sheetmetal or use taller springs and have the I-beams bent. Check this out: 65-79 econo lift
Parts sources? Sure.... bookmark these:
Jeff's Bronco Graveyard
National Parts Depot:Ford Truck Parts & Accessories | 1948-1979
LMC Truck - Ford Truck Parts and Truck Accessories
MAC's Antique Auto Parts
Blue Oval Truck Parts
Dennis Carpenter Ford Restoration Parts
RockAuto Auto & Truck Parts
Carolina Machine Engines-Rebuilt Long & Short Blocks
Summit Racing
Shock Warehouse
Inline tube The brake plumbing experts
Benchworks Steering
Red-Head Steering Gears, Seattle WA
Borgeson Universal Steering Components
To run 31s on a 2WD correctly, you'll need to clearance the sheetmetal or use taller springs and have the I-beams bent. Check this out: 65-79 econo lift
Parts sources? Sure.... bookmark these:
Jeff's Bronco Graveyard
National Parts Depot:Ford Truck Parts & Accessories | 1948-1979
LMC Truck - Ford Truck Parts and Truck Accessories
MAC's Antique Auto Parts
Blue Oval Truck Parts
Dennis Carpenter Ford Restoration Parts
RockAuto Auto & Truck Parts
Carolina Machine Engines-Rebuilt Long & Short Blocks
Summit Racing
Shock Warehouse
Inline tube The brake plumbing experts
Benchworks Steering
Red-Head Steering Gears, Seattle WA
Borgeson Universal Steering Components
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Senior User
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And how do i order it? do i just call them and they ship it? because i don't see a online cart thingamajig 
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
I'd prolly ask Autofab about shocks.. the kit doesn't include them. That page has an email link.
The i-beams are heated and bent near the kingpin so the wheel/tire has the correct camber.
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Yeah, it is pretty cool. I'm holding on to my donor 78 I-beams cuz I might build a 2WD prerunner some day.... I have a junker that I need to get rid off then I can park one more rig in the side yard...it's boxed in by my 70 right now.
I'd prolly ask Autofab about shocks.. the kit doesn't include them. That page has an email link.
The i-beams are heated and bent near the kingpin so the wheel/tire has the correct camber.
I'd prolly ask Autofab about shocks.. the kit doesn't include them. That page has an email link.
The i-beams are heated and bent near the kingpin so the wheel/tire has the correct camber.
thanks for the help! i'm deffinitely going to look into that!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
Btw, parts guys and machinists appreciate it if ya send 'em clean parts so they can get right to work with a minimum of fuss. A little effort on your end gives ya street cred.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Wingo, Ky
Its not as simple as switching out springs on a twin I beam setup...that will cause alignment issues and tire wear. Also in the Ford manual it tells exactly what to do to make the alignment correct. In stock configuration if you have alignment issues most people say have your beams bent to correct it. Well oddly enough I read in the actual Ford manual it says to never heat or bend the beams. 
It tells how to correct issues with shims and so forth.
It tells how to correct issues with shims and so forth.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,134
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From: Mississippi
Its not as simple as switching out springs on a twin I beam setup...that will cause alignment issues and tire wear. Also in the Ford manual it tells exactly what to do to make the alignment correct. In stock configuration if you have alignment issues most people say have your beams bent to correct it. Well oddly enough I read in the actual Ford manual it says to never heat or bend the beams. It tells how to correct issues with shims and so forth.
It tells how to correct issues with shims and so forth.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Trabuco Canyon, SoCal
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...-2wd-f250.html
here's my lifted 2wd, let me know if I can help ya out!
-jason
here's my lifted 2wd, let me know if I can help ya out!
-jason
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 842
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From: Palmyra
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...-2wd-f250.html
here's my lifted 2wd, let me know if I can help ya out! -jason
here's my lifted 2wd, let me know if I can help ya out!
-jasonAfter checking out your truck I kinda have second thoughts about parting out the next 2wd I pick up! That truck looks pretty darn good!
